"We must act swiftly and decriminalize cannabis and get it rescheduled, now," says the mother of a veteran who took his life after struggle with PTSD, prescription drugs

Veterans are adding their voices to the growing chorus calling for changes in marijuana research and legalization.

A bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives, along with several combat veterans and the mother of a Marine who died by suicide after struggling with prescribed pharmaceuticals, came together in Washington on Thursday and urged Congress to advance efforts for medical marijuana research. They spoke at a news conference announcing a survey by the American Legion that showed surging support among veterans for legalizing medical cannabis and expanding research.

Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, said medical cannabis advocates in Congress were not looking to pick a political fight on this issue. However, he said, it was way past due “to use the premier medical research institution in the world, which is the (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), to put its resources there and for us to start to understand (cannabis) better.”

Walz continued: “It is simply not right that our sisters and brothers in arms, depending on where they live, are put in a situation where they cannot (access medical cannabis) on a legal basis, and they can’t do so with one of their VA benefits. So what we’re asking for is something as simple as … do the research into this, do the reclassification, get this piece right. And then start to figure out if there’s a way we can do this in a systematic matter to make sure that the folks that need it … can get the relief.”

“I want to condemn in the strongest possible terms, the outrageous statements made by Gov. Christie recently regarding medical cannabis,” Gaetz said to applause. “It is shortsighted, it is inaccurate and it is indefensible to suggest that the proliferation of medical cannabis, that is saving lives and improving quality of life for people, somehow is analogous to the plague of the opioid crisis.”

One of the most passionate calls for medical marijuana reform came from Janine Lutz, mother of Lance Cpl. Janos (John) Lutz and founder of the Live To Tell Foundation.

Lutz said her “eyes have been opened” to cannabis reform after her son’s suicide following his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and prescription drugs.

“I know that cannabis does work for a lot of veterans,” she said. “I know that every pharmaceutical on the market today that fights against depression has negative side effects, to include suicidal tendencies. Cannabis does not include that.”

A press conference is held in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C., to share the results of a recent survey regarding veteran opinion of medical cannabis as a treatment option. To learn more, visit www.legion.org/mmjresearch #Vets4MMJrese